Royals handle Islanders 6-1

Andre Leclair (#88) watches the puck go in the net past Isles Jim Hiller in the first. Photo by Christian Lebel.

TEMISCAMING, QC - The Temiscaming Royals pulled within 7 points of the Sudbury Jr. Wolves in the NOJHL Eastern Conference thanks to a convincing 6-1 victory over the Manitoulin Islanders on home ice Thursday night.

Andre Leclair was the offensive force on the night as he scored 1 goal and set up 3 others in the convincing win while Royals power forward Darren Shecapio scored two goals.

Benoit Fiset, Cedric Boutin and Chris Hebert had the other goals for the Royals.

In the second period, Royals starting goaltender Francis Bernard took a hard slap shop in the throat area and was forced to leave the game. Jim Murray played the rest of the game allowing only one Manitoulin shot to beat him - a tip in by Alex Kalyniuk with only 6 seconds left in the second period to spoil the shutout as the two goalies stopped 25 shots in the win.

Jim Hillier made 28 saves in the goal for the Isles.

The Royals will have a chance to move within 5 points of the Wolves on Friday night as the two teams meet up at the Centre. Then on Sunday night the Royals host the first place Abitibi Eskimos.